The mission of the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is to help people develop a sustainable relationship with nature. In so doing, the Zoo shall provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife, and the discovery of biological knowledge.

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

Everett Harris Zoo Director 1405 Bernstein Park Drive Monroe, Louisiana 71202 318-329-2400

Mission Statement The mission of the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is to help people develop a sustainable relationship with nature. In so doing, the Zoo shall provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife, and the discovery of biological knowledge. General Curator - Lola Curtis - (318) 329-2582 Education Curator - Kim Walker - (318) 329-3308 Office Manager - Carin Collins - (318) 329-2400 Click here for a map Community Affairs Newsletter

SUMMER ZOO CAP INFO AND REGISTRATION FORM

NEW OLIVE BABOON EXHIBIT NOW OPEN
Mayor James Mayo, the Monroe City Council and the Department of Community Affairs are pleased to announce a grand opening of a new primate exhibit at Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo. The zoo’s family of nine olive baboons now have a new home, over 4,200 square feet of waterfront property. These curious primates have recently been introduced to a habitat built adjacent to the zoo’s lagoon. This area is complete with trees and large boulders that allow them to climb. Visitors can are able to watch the baboons from a covered deck that features special glass windows for an extraordinary viewing experience

Most of the construction of the new facility was performed by employees of the city. Zoo Director Everett Harris says, “I am very pleased to be able to thank members of our zoo staff for the carpentry work, other construction, the landscaping and plumbing. They did a super job.” Other divisions and departments also joined in the effort. “Thanks to Public Works for their help and the Civic Center for the welding. It was truly a cooperative effort,” Harris added.

Funding for this exhibit and another planned primate habitat was made possible through a matching grant from the Monroe/West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau. Other primate exhibits constructed in recent months include agile gibbon, red-tail guenon and bearded guenon. Construction on another habitat is scheduled to be completed before the end of the year.

The Olive Baboon (Papio anubis) is a from the Old World Monkey family. Its name comes from the Egyptian deity Anubis, which was often represented with dog head and resembled the dog-like muzzle of the baboon.

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is the premier family attraction in northeast Louisiana. This 80+ acre zoological park exhibits over 500 animals, many in naturalistic habitats. A zoo boat ride is a unique way to view many of the larger animals and operates spring, summer and fall. A Louisiana Purchase Exhibit was added recently in commemoration of the Bicentennial Celebration of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, and features animals indigenous to the original land area of that acquisition that doubled the size of the U.S. Festivals and special events are planned throughout the year. A zoo pavilion is also part of this facility and is available for rental for community events, meetings, reunions, concerts and the like. Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is a delightful place for family and friends to spend leisure time and even offers group rates.

LOCATION: The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is located at 1405 Bernstein Park Drive. From I-20, Exit 118-A, Travel south on US 165, 2.2 miles to Ticheli Road, Turn right, cross Reddix to the Zoo. From US 165 South, turn left on Ticheli Road.

HOURS OF OPERATION: The Zoo is opened 7 days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Office hours 8 am to 5 pm, (318) 329-2400.

ADMISSION: Adult $4.50, children 3-12 $3.00, Seniors (age 65 and over) $3.00, children 2 and younger are free. Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society members are free with membership card. Lagoon boat ride is $2.00 per person.

GROUP SALES: The Zoo offers discount admission for groups of 10 or more. Please call (318) 329-2400 to make reservation.

For calendar of events, visit the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society at www.monroezoo.org.